22 things I want to do Before Turning 22

As I was lying in bed, trying to sleep the other night, I started to think about all of the things I’ve accomplished by the age of 21. I’m not going to lie; I don’t think I’ve lived the most adventurous life. However, over the last few years, I’ve gotten to experience unforgettable moments like leaving my home country of Venezuela to move to Peru, graduating high school, coming to college in the US, spending a summer abroad, among other incredible moments like making new friends and trying new foods. This year, I’ve decided that I want to try more things and so I decided to create this bucket list of things that I want to do before I turn 22 this summer (July 1st)!

1. Go to a music festival/concert

This is something that I’ve always wanted to do! Especially around the spring and summer, when there’s a lot of artists going on tour and music festivals. I think this would be a cool event to go to with friends.

2. Pay for my own trip

Being a college student, I often don’t have enough money to do most things. Between buying groceries, textbooks, and going out with friends, money can run out pretty easily. However, I have always wanted to plan my own trip and pay for it myself, as I think this makes it even more special.

3. Try foods I’ve never had before

I would say I’m not a picky eater at all, but I’m always down to try even more foods.

4. Explore a new place

As someone who loves traveling, I would love to discover new countries, new places even.

5. Go on a trip with my friends

I can happily say that as I was writing this article, this goal got checked off! I recently went to New York with two of my closest friends and my sister, and I’m so glad I did.

6. Find a summer internship

Although this one is not as exciting, I’m getting close to graduation, and it is something that I have to start thinking about.

7. Go to the gym more often

Do I really need to say anything about this? I mean, I’ve had this goal for the past 5 years or so, but this time I plan on making it happen.

8. Cook more/learn new recipes

Since I have to cook for myself, I’m always looking and researching new recipes because I get bored easily if I eat the same three meals all the time.

9. Get good grades for the spring semester

I mean, this one is also self-explanatory.

10. Get my driver’s license

I do have my driver’s license from my home country, but I’d like to get a driver’s license here so that I can drive while I’m at school.

11. Write a novel/short story

This one sounds like a lot, but it is something that I’ve always wanted to do, and what better time to start than now? I don’t plan on writing an entire novel in a couple of months, but I could start.

12. Read five books

Since I started college, I’ve fallen out of the habit of reading for fun, and it is something that I really miss. Even if it’s just for 30 minutes each day, or before going to sleep, I want to set a goal for myself to start reading more.

13. Learn a new language

I recently downloaded Duolingo on my phone and have been doing Chinese lessons in my free time. It doesn’t take much of my time, and I think it will really benefit me as I’m getting closer and closer to graduation.

14. Get into photography/photo-editing

Whenever I travel, I always like to take photos of cool landscapes, but I never really do anything with them. I’d love to learn how to properly edit photos so that I can share them.

15. Start my own travel blog.

This goes along with the last goal, and it is something that I’ve already started and will continue to expand as I travel and add posts about my experiences and places I’ve traveled to in the past.

16. Go to the beach

Being from Venezuela, I was always within proximity to the beach, and I feel like I took all those years for granted. Now that I live in central PA where it snows all the time and is always cold, I regret not appreciating living close to the beach, and I hope that I can go soon.

17. See my family

This is another thing that I had for so long, and I took for granted. I always had my mom or my dad with me, and now that I live so far away from them, I cherish every moment I’m with them and look forward to seeing them soon.

18. Go hiking

I’ve been at Penn State for almost three years, and I still haven’t hiked Mount Nittany. Before I graduate in December, this is one of my goals, as I feel like it’s something every student has to do.

19. Visit a museum

Whether it is an art museum or a science one, I would love to explore a new museum this year.

20. Go to an escape room

There is something so intriguing to me about escape rooms, having to investigate and think deep to find an exit.

21. Get into journaling

As someone who loves writing, this is something that I regret not doing more often. This year, I plan on having a notebook by my bed so that I can write my thoughts before going to bed and right as I wake up. I want to have my thoughts on paper and be able to look back at them when I’m older and see what I was going through when I wrote each entry.

22. Do something nice for someone every day

Finally, this year I want to do something to make those around me smile. Whether it is complimenting someone’s outfit or helping someone in class, I want to give someone a reason to smile every day this year.